Chapter 36
+25 BONUS
Duncan wanted to imprint her image deep into his mind, as if afraid he might one day forget her. Lucy felt his gaze and fluttered her eyelashes as she woke up. She wrapped her arms around Duncan’s neck and planted a kiss on his lips. “Up so early?”
“Yeah,” Duncan smiled warmly and playfully pinched her cheek. “Go wash up. I made something delicious for you.
“Alright, I’ll go freshen up,” Lucy pouted playfully as she got up.
As Duncan watched Lucy head to the bathroom, his expression darkened. Audrey seemed… different somehow. But he couldn’t quite pinpoint what had changed.
When Duncan went downstairs, he found Seamus sitting on the couch. “Dad, you’re up early. What’s going on?”
Seamus studied his son carefully. He noticed a shift in Duncan–something had changed. The overwhelming sadness that used to cling to him like a shadow seemed to have lifted. There was life in his son’s eyes again.
This was a good sign.
“Duncan, it’s time for you to get back to work. The company can’t run
without you,”
Duncan sat down beside his father. “Bring me my laptop. I’ll work from home. Audrey’s sick, and I need to take her to see a doctor.”
Seamus was taken aback. Duncan remembered Audrey being ill but seemed to have forgotten that she had passed away that their wedding and her funeral had taken place on the same day. He had blocked out the most painful memory of all.
Seamus’s heart ached. His son had always been exceptional–smart, hardworking, rarely causing any worry. But now, here they were. Still, Seamus couldn’t bear to pull him out of this delusion.
Avoiding Duncan’s gaze, Seamus focused on the coffee table in front of him. “Alright, you can work from home. I’ll ask your mother to come over and help take care of you.
“No, it’s not a good time for Mom to see Audrey. Audrey might not have forgiven her yet. I’m your son, so I can’t say much, but I need to protect Audrey from getting hurt.” Duncan spoke softly, his eyes downcast. Heather had hurt Audrey so deeply, and he had avenged her without hesitation. But his mother, Janet–his own flesh and blood
he couldn’t bring himself to hurt her. Yet, he couldn’t forgive her either.
Seamus sighed, unsure of what to say. His wife hadn’t appeared in front of Duncan these past few days because she feared he hadn’t forgiven her. She was anxious, unable to sleep or eat, yet still too afraid to face him. After all, they all knew how deeply Duncan had loved Audrey.
“Alright. She won’t come. I’ll have someone bring your laptop home. I’ll also arrange for a doctor to visit Audrey here, so you don’t have to take her out. Her body might not handle it.” Seamus could refrain from saying more, but the outside world wouldn’t be so considerate. Duncan wasn’t ready to face the truth yet, and Seamus feared what might happen when he did.
“That’s not necessary, Dad. You take care of the company. I won’t neglect my responsibilities there, and I’ll make sure Audrey gets the care she needs.” Duncan’s voice softened. He regretted neglecting Audrey while he focused on work in the past. She had borne the weight of her illness alone, never wanting to burden him. He owed her everything, and now, he was determined to make it up to her.
Seamus understood what Duncan meant but didn’t dare press the issue. His son was fragile, and pushing too hard might cause him to break completely. Seamus felt stuck, unsure of what to do next.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 36
Just as he was pondering his options, Lucy descended the stairs, humming a cheerful tune.
Seamus’s eyes lit up. “Audrey?” he called.
The word sent a shock through Lacy, leaving her shaken to the core. Her heart raced, and her body stiffened. Was this a warning? Or perhaps a test?
Chapter 37
